See why Bath, Maine is known as the “City of Ships.”
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum sits on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine, the “City of Ships.”
Outdoors, stroll through the country’s only surviving shipyard to see where large wooden sailing vessels were once built.
Step indoors to explore the incredible stories of people who have lived, worked, or played on Maine’s waters. Experience what it takes to care for a lighthouse, make a living in the lobster fishery, or build a navy destroyer. Get up close to the paintings, scrimshaw, and souvenirs that sailors brought back home after dangerous voyages around the world.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, our immersive exhibits have something for everyone
Before You Arrive
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⌚ Hours
Open 9:30 am–5:00 pm Daily
(Closed for our annual gala, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days, and occasionally if we get some weather.)
The shipyard begins closing at least 30 minutes before the Maritime History Building. Please plan accordingly! -
🎫 Admission
MEMBERS | FREE
ADULTS | $22
SENIORS | $20
CHILD (17 & UNDER) are free through 2026 thanks to the generous support of Central Maine Power
Off season rates begin October 27, 2025 -
🅿 Parking
We have ample, free parking available with space available to accommodate RVs and larger vehicles in our south lot. We have 11 handicap-accessible parking spaces, as well as a drop-off area with benches located near the museum’s main entrance. There are a limited number of EV chargers, and overnight parking is prohibited.
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♿ Accessibility
Our campus is a mix of paved and gravel walkways, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs; with a few areas of substantial incline in the historic shipyard. A few historic buildings are only accessible by stairs. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Golf cart rides are available during peak season, mid-May through Indigenous People’s Day.
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⚓ Arrive by Boat
Seasonally, we offer floating dock space that can accommodate vessels up to 50 feet in length with a draft of up to nine feet. Our Visiting Yachtsmen’s Building includes restrooms and showers. Dock space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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✅ Pets & Policies
🐾 We love dogs, but they are not permitted inside the museum. Only service animals trained to perform a specific task are permitted in buildings
Pets and emotional support animals are allowed and encouraged on the south end of campus, which has a public walking path and a pet waste station.
🚭 Maine Maritime Museum is a smoke-free campus.
📷 While visiting the museum you may be photographed or filmed, and footage may be used in promotional materials.
🧑🧑🧒 Unaccompanied Child Policy
Other Ways to Gain Admission
We are proud participants of:
Blue Star Museums, giving a free admission program for active military and their families
Museums for All, providing those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) free admission for up to 4 adults.
You can also show your membership to one of the Council of American Maritime Museums or show your membership card for one of the 1,000 institutions across the country that participate in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association.
Members of New Hampshire Public Radio also receive 2-for-1 admission once a year.
Maine residents: borrow a pass for the day from your local library. Give them a call today to request one!
✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺
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Flight Deck Pizza & Beer Garden is back for 2026 and open, weather permitting, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00–8:00 pm.
Visitors are also welcome to bring picnic lunches from home or any of the wonderful local food establishments. A small number of snacks are available to purchase in our store.
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Rainy days are a great time to come to the museum! Bring an umbrella or poncho and explore the historic shipyard’s outbuildings and visit our docents in the Donnell House!
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We love our ship models and ship portraits but we also have exhibits about lobstering, lighthouses, a historic house, and rotating exhibits every year! Plus, we have demonstrations like blacksmithing, and hands-on play areas for kids. We hope your family will still come join us :D
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Yes! We have a few areas for hands-on fun: the Tugboat Pilot House Replica and Lobstering & The Maine Coast. Kiddos can also meet and learn from our professionally trained volunteers at multiple demonstration areas. Plus, with 20-acres to explore, there’s plenty of space between areas to tucker everyone out! Check the events calendar for some of our ongoing family programs.
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Yes! Admission is good for two days within a week, and that is included with the purchase of a cruise ticket.
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No. We love dogs, but they are not permitted inside the museum. Only service animals trained to perform a specific task are permitted in buildings.
Pets and emotional support animals are allowed and encouraged on the south end of campus, which has a public walking path and a pet waste station.
Campus Map
Start exploring our campus of 20 acres and more than a dozen buildings.
Seasonal Tours & Demonstrations
Percy & Small Shipyard Tour
Step back in time and explore the only surviving shipyard in the country where large wooden sailing vessels were built. Our knowledgeable guides will bring to life the stories of Percy & Small shipbuilders, the innovative techniques they used, and the colossal ships that took shape here.
Donnell House: A Victorian Shipbuilder’s Home
This beautifully preserved historic home offers a unique glimpse into the daily life and times of the Donnell family, prominent figures in Bath’s maritime history. As you tour the elegant rooms filled with period Eastlake furnishings and family heirlooms, you'll hear stories of the vibrant social life of the era, as well as what it was like to live (and entertain) next to a working shipyard.
Watercraft Restoration Center
Visit the Watercraft Restoration Center and witness the art and craft of preserving boatbuilding traditions. See skilled craftsmen and volunteers at work, giving new life to historic watercraft. Learn about the various techniques used in restoration, from traditional woodworking to modern preservation methods.
Kenneth D. Kramer Blacksmith Shop
This authentic, working forge offers a fascinating look at the essential role blacksmiths played in shipbuilding. As you enter, you are greeted by the sights and sounds of metalwork in progress. Our skilled blacksmiths demonstrate traditional techniques that were used to outfit the giant Percy & Small schooners.
Ship Launching Demonstration
Recreate the dramatic moment when a newly built ship first meets the water! Our guides will explain the engineering and precise timing involved in getting a massive vessel moved from the site of its construction to the start of its career on the Kennebec River.
We’re Proud Members
